EP2778478B1 - Lubrication system with passive drain valve - Google Patents
Lubrication system with passive drain valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2778478B1 EP2778478B1 EP14157077.0A EP14157077A EP2778478B1 EP 2778478 B1 EP2778478 B1 EP 2778478B1 EP 14157077 A EP14157077 A EP 14157077A EP 2778478 B1 EP2778478 B1 EP 2778478B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- lubricating media
- lubrication system
- spring
- drain valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 title claims description 76
- 230000001050 lubricating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 106
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005496 eutectics Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 21
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 7
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011344 liquid material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001066 destructive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16N—LUBRICATING
- F16N13/00—Lubricating-pumps
- F16N13/22—Lubricating-pumps with distributing equipment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
- B64C27/00—Rotorcraft; Rotors peculiar thereto
- B64C27/04—Helicopters
- B64C27/12—Rotor drives
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01M—LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; CRANKCASE VENTILATING
- F01M11/00—Component parts, details or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01M1/00 - F01M9/00
- F01M11/0004—Oilsumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H57/00—General details of gearing
- F16H57/04—Features relating to lubrication or cooling or heating
- F16H57/0447—Control of lubricant levels, e.g. lubricant level control dependent on temperature
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01M—LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; CRANKCASE VENTILATING
- F01M11/00—Component parts, details or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01M1/00 - F01M9/00
- F01M11/10—Indicating devices; Other safety devices
- F01M11/12—Indicating devices; Other safety devices concerning lubricant level
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to a lubrication system, and more particularly, to a lubrication system having a passive drain valve for preventing submersion of a mechanical assembly in the event of system failure.
- a lubrication system may be used for lubricating and cooling a mechanical assembly.
- Some lubrication systems employ a cycle wherein a lubricating media, such as oil, is distributed onto portions of the mechanical assembly that are susceptible to friction.
- Such lubrication systems may comprise a collection area to contain the lubricating media and a pumping mechanism coupled to the collection area. The lubricating media is stored in the collection area, and the pumping mechanism pumps the lubricating media to be distributed onto portions of the mechanical assembly. If the pumping mechanism fails, hot lubricating media may accumulate in the collection area and possibly submerge mechanical assembly components proximate thereto.
- EP1983164 discloses a lubrication system, comprising: a collection area for collecting lubricating media ; a pumping system for transporting the lubricating media from a withdrawal location of the collection area to a distribution location of the collection area; wherein the lubricating media collects in the collection area to a static level when the pumping system is off and to a dynamic level, a drain valve located between the static level and the dynamic level, the drain valve operable to open to drain a portion of the lubricating media in response to the lubricating media reaching a predefined threshold temperature and level, wherein the drain valve will fail open in the event of failure; and wherein the drain valve comprises: a piston having a piston shaft, a spring, and a valve plug coupled to the piston shaft, and the spring comprises a thermally-activated material arranged to respond to a temperature rise of the spring by changing volume and altering a spring rate of the spring , wherein the lubricating media acts on the valve plug and overcomes a bias force of
- a lubrication system as defined in claim 1.
- Preferred and/or optional features are set out in the dependent claims.
- the drain valve may be located above the normal operating level of the lubricating media.
- the drain valve may open to drain a portion of the lubricating media in response to the lubricating media reaching a predefined threshold temperature and level.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure also generally provide a lubrication system having a drain valve coupled to a collection area for collecting lubricating media, and the drain valve including a material that changes phase or volume at a predefined threshold temperature.
- the drain valve may open to drain a portion of the lubricating media from the collection area in response to the material reaching the predefined threshold temperature.
- the drain valve includes a casing with a valve seat opening and a valve plug.
- the valve plug may seal with the valve seat opening to close the valve when the temperature of the material is below the predefined threshold temperature, and the valve plug may unseal from the valve seat opening to open the valve when the temperature of the material is at or above the predefined threshold temperature.
- the drain valve may further include a spring that biases the valve plug to unseal from the valve seat opening to open the valve when the temperature of the material is at or above the predefined threshold temperature.
- the spring is formed of the material.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a lubrication system for lubricating and cooling a mechanical assembly.
- the lubrication system may comprise one or more passive drain valves for draining a portion of the lubricating media 120 in the event of pump failure, thereby preventing hazardous immersion of the mechanical assembly.
- one or more passive drain valves may be located above a dynamic operating level, and below a static non-operating level, of the lubricating media 120.
- a drain valve will fail open, thereby preventing hazardous immersion of the mechanical assembly in the event of drain valve failure.
- a drain valve may comprise thermally activated media operable to open the drain valve, and the drain valve may be constructed to prevent the media from entering the lubrication system upon actuation.
- FIGURES 1-8B illustrate representative configurations of lubrication system 200 and parts thereof. It should be understood that the components of lubrication system 200 and parts thereof shown in FIGURES 1-8B are for illustrative purposes only, and that any other suitable components or subcomponents may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of the components comprising lubrication system 200 and parts thereof described herein.
- a lubrication system 200 may be used in the operation of a variety of mechanical assemblies 100 including, but not limited to, power generation or transfer devices, such as gearboxes, transmissions, and engines. Friction between moving components in these mechanical assemblies 100, such as friction created by high-speed spinning gears 110, generates heat that may damage components therein.
- Some lubrication systems employ a cycle in which a lubricating media 120, such as oil, is first distributed onto components susceptible to friction, then gathers in a collection area, where it is then pumped back to a location where it may be redistributed back onto the components.
- hot lubricating media 120 may accumulate in the collection area and possibly submerge components proximate thereto, causing damage and potential failure of the mechanical assembly 100. It is desirable to drain this hot lubricating media 120 from the collection area prior to it reaching a hazardous level.
- Some lubrication systems employ an electromechanically actuated valve that may drain the hot lubricating media 120 from the collection area in the event of pump failure.
- a sensor may be used to detect pump failure and trigger the valve to open.
- electromechanically actuated valves may require time to run a BIT check upon startup and may be susceptible to failure, resulting in frequent maintenance, replacement, and system down-time. Electromechanically actuated valves may also be heavy, resulting in reduced performance if used in vehicle applications such as fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
- the present disclosure is directed to a lubrication system 200 for lubricating and cooling a mechanical assembly 100.
- Embodiments of lubrication system 200 may provide for passively detecting and abating an accumulation of, and hazardous temperature increase in, lubricating media 120 within the lubrication system 200.
- Embodiments may also provide for simple, lightweight, low maintenance, and substantially failsafe systems for draining hazardous lubricating media 120 before reaching levels that may damage components of the mechanical assembly 100.
- FIGURE 1 depicts a representative lubrication system 200 for a mechanical assembly 100, the lubrication system 200 comprising a collection area 300, a pumping mechanism 400, and one or more passive drain valves 500, as described in more detail herein.
- FIGURE 2 depicts an isolated side cutaway view of the collection area 300 of lubrication system 200.
- Collection area 300 may comprise a housing 305 having a bottom 310, a top 320, and sides 330, and housing 305 may be any suitable size, shape, material, and construction capable of containing a mechanical assembly 100 and collecting any lubricating media 120 distributed to and/or shed therefrom.
- collection area 300 comprises a housing 305 of dimensions sufficient to contain a mechanical assembly 100.
- Collection area 300 may further comprise one or more inlet ports 340, one or more outlet ports 350, and one or more drain valve ports 360.
- Inlet port 340 may be positioned in any location along the surface of housing 305 of collection area 300 from which lubricating media 120 may be sufficiently distributed to a mechanical assembly 100 disposed therein. In an embodiment, inlet port 340 is located along the top 320 of housing 305 of collection area 300 such that gravity may assist in distributing any lubricating media 120 entering therefrom to the components of the mechanical assembly 100.
- Outlet port 350 may be positioned in any location along the surface of housing 305 of collection area 300 from which lubricating media 120 may be sufficiently withdrawn from the collection area 300. In an embodiment, outlet port 350 is located along the bottom 310 of housing 305 of collection area 300 such that gravity may cause lubricating media 120 to collect proximate to outlet port 350.
- Drain valve port 360 may be positioned along a side surface 330 of housing 305 of collection area 300, and located above a predetermined dynamic operating level 370 and below a predetermined static level 380, as described in more detail herein.
- lubrication system 200 may further comprise a pumping system 400 coupled to collection area 300.
- Pumping system 400 may comprise a pumping mechanism 410 coupled to upper and lower conduits 420, 425 comprising a suction line 425 and a discharge line 420.
- Pumping mechanism 410 may comprise any suitable mechanism capable of transporting lubricating media 120 from a withdrawal location 450 through conduits 425, 420 to a distribution location 440.
- Conduits 425, 420 may establish fluid communication between pumping mechanism 410 and withdrawal/distribution locations 450/440, respectively.
- Pumping system 400 may further comprise one or more distribution mechanisms 460 coupled to distribution location(s) 440.
- a distribution mechanism 460 may comprise any suitable device known in the art that may direct or manipulate the flow of lubricating media 120 passing therethrough, such as a spray nozzle.
- pumping mechanism 410 comprises a pump 412 mechanically or electrically driven by a gearbox or an electric motor 414, respectively.
- the pump 412 may be fixedly coupled to the proximate ends 421, 426 of the conduits 420, 425, respectively, with distal end 427 of conduit 425 fixedly coupled to a withdrawal location 450, and with distal end 422 of conduit 420 fixedly coupled to a nozzle 460 positioned at distribution location 440.
- Withdrawal location 450 and distribution location 440 may coincide with and couple to inlet port 340 and outlet port 350 of collection area 300, respectively.
- lubrication system 200 may further comprise one or more passive drain valves 500, such as valve 520 shown in FIGURE 4A , valve 550 shown in FIGURE 4B , and valve 580 shown in FIGURE 4C , with like reference numerals representing like components.
- the one or more passive drain valves 500 may drain a portion of the lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300 in the event that the lubricating media 120 raises to a predetermined level and predetermined threshold temperature in the collection area 300, as may happen in the event of pump mechanism 410 failure.
- Each of passive drain valves 520, 550, and 580 comprises: a two-chamber casing 510 having an outer chamber 512 with ports 516 leading thereto and an inner chamber 514, a piston 530 having a piston shaft 532 and a plunger 534, a spring 540, and a valve plug 590 coupled to the piston shaft 532.
- Valve 550 shown in FIGURE 4B further comprises two sections of material 560 biased against the plunger 534 by Belleville washers 570
- valve 580 shown in FIGURE 4C likewise comprises a section of material 560 positioned between the plunger 534 and the end of inner chamber 514.
- the inner chamber 514 of each valve 520, 550, 580 provides a physical barrier to prevent the plunger 534, the spring 540, and/or the material 560 from exiting into the outer chamber 520 or escaping outside of the casing 510.
- the passive drain valve 520 is shown in the closed position.
- the force of spring 540 acts against a wall 518 separating chambers 512, 514 of the casing 510 on one end, and the force of spring 540 acts against the plunger 534 on the other end, thereby biasing the piston 530 to the end of inner chamber 514 and retracting the valve plug 590 to seal against a valve seat opening 522 in the casing 510 that leads to outer chamber 512.
- spring 540 comprises a material 560 that changes properties with temperature.
- spring 540 comprises a bi-metallic material that changes volume with temperature, thereby altering the spring rate of spring 540.
- Valve 520 may be operatively coupled to the collection area 300 such that, under certain operational conditions, lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300 may rise to a level where it flows through ports 516 into outer chamber 512. As the temperature of the lubricating media 120 increases, as may happen in the event of a pump mechanism 410 failure, for example, the temperature of the components of valve 520 will also rise, including spring 540. As the temperature of spring 540 rises, the material 560 comprising the spring will respond by changing volume, thereby altering the spring rate of spring 540.
- valve plug 590 As the spring rate is altered, the lubricating fluid 120 acting on valve plug 590 may overcome the bias force of spring 540, which in turn may cause the valve plug 590 and piston 530 to move in the direction of the arrow 525 shown in FIGURE 4A .
- valve plug 590 moves in the direction of arrow 525, it will unseal from the valve seat opening 522 and allow a portion of the lubricating media 120 in outer chamber 512 to drain out.
- valve 520 is designed to fail open in the event of pump mechanism 410 failure.
- a passive drain valve 550 is shown in the closed position.
- the Belleville washers 570 exert a force that acts against sections of material 560 engaging one side of plunger 534
- the spring 540 exerts a force that acts against the opposing side of plunger 534, thereby biasing the piston 530 to a position within inner chamber 514 where the valve plug 590 is retracted to seal against the valve seat opening 522 in the casing 510 that leads to outer chamber 512.
- the material 560 may change properties with temperature.
- the material 560 may change phase, such as from solid to liquid, at a predetermined threshold temperature.
- the material 560 may comprise a eutectic material.
- the material 560 may comprise lead or tin.
- Valve 550 may be operatively coupled to the collection area 300 such that, under certain operational conditions, lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300 may rise to a level where it flows through ports 516 into outer chamber 512. As the temperature of the lubricating media 120 increases, as may happen in the event of a pump mechanism 410 failure, for example, the temperature of the components of valve 550 will also rise, including sections of material 560. As the temperature of sections of material 560 crosses the predetermined threshold temperature, the material 560 will respond by changing phase from solid to liquid. As the material 560 is transformed into a liquid, the liquid material 560 will flow through openings 536 in the plunger 534 and there will be nothing solid for the Belleville washers 570 to act against.
- valve 550 is designed to fail open in the event of pump mechanism 410 failure.
- a passive drain valve 580 is shown in the closed position.
- the spring 540 exerts a force that acts against the wall 518 separating the chambers 512, 514 of casing 510 on one end, and the spring 540 exerts a force that acts against the plunger 534 on the other end.
- the force of spring 540 biases the piston 530 to a position within inner chamber 514 where the valve plug 590 is retracted to seal against the valve seat opening 522 in the casing 510 that leads to outer chamber 512, and the plunger 534 engages a section of material 560 positioned between the plunger 534 and the end of inner chamber 514.
- the material 560 may change properties with temperature.
- the material 560 may change phase, such as from solid to liquid, at a predetermined threshold temperature.
- the material 560 may comprise a eutectic material.
- the material 560 may comprise lead or tin.
- Valve 580 may be operatively coupled to the collection area 300 such that, under certain operational conditions, lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300 may rise to a level where it flows through ports 516 into outer chamber 512. As the temperature of the lubricating media 120 increases, as may happen in the event of a pump mechanism 410 failure, for example, the temperature of the components of valve 550 will also rise, including section material 560. As the temperature of section of material 560 crosses the predetermined threshold temperature, the material 560 will respond by changing phase from solid to liquid. As the material 560 is transformed into a liquid, the liquid material 560 will flow through openings 536 in the plunger 534 and there will be nothing solid for the spring-loaded plunger 534 to act against.
- valve 580 is designed to fail open in the event of pump mechanism 410 failure.
- FIGURES 5A-8B illustrate representative levels and flows of lubricating media 120 in an embodiment of lubrication system 200 under various conditions.
- the figures represent combinations of conditions wherein mechanical assembly 100 and lubrication system 200 are in various operational states (ON/OFF), and wherein pump system 400 and drain valve 500 are in various modes (OK/FAIL).
- FIGURES 5A and 5B illustrate conditions in which both the pumping system 400 and the drain valve 500 are OK.
- the mechanical assembly 100 and lubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because the lubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of the lubricating media 120 collects proximate to the bottom 310 of housing 305 of collection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricating media 120. In this OFF state, the lubricating media 120 accumulates to a static level 380 within the collection area 300.
- the static level 380 may be higher than the lowest portions of a mechanical assembly 100 disposed within the lubrication system 200, resulting in said lower portions possibly being submerged in the OFF state. Yet, because the mechanical assembly 100 is OFF, its moving parts are not generating frictional heat, nor are they operating whilst submerged in high-temperature lubricating media 120.
- a separate sump for storing the lubricating media 120 may be coupled between the collection area 300 and the pumping system 400, such that a portion or substantially all of the lubricating media 120 may be stored in the separate sump when the lubrication system 200 is OFF. In this embodiment, because the mechanical assembly 100 is also OFF, its moving parts are not generating frictional heat, nor are they operating without lubrication.
- the pumping system 400 operates to withdraw lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300 through withdrawal location 450 into suction conduit 425, and then transports the lubricating media 120 through discharge conduit 420 to distribution location 440.
- the lubricating media 120 is thereby distributed via distribution mechanism 460 to a mechanical assembly 100 located within collection area 300.
- the lubricating media 120 then drips down from mechanical assembly 100 and collects proximate to bottom 310 of housing 305.
- the pumping system 400 continuously withdraws a substantial portion of the lubricating media 120 from the bottom 310 of the housing 305 of collection area 300, the lubricating media 120 maintains a dynamic operating level 370 that is lower than the static operating level 380. Under this combination of conditions, the mechanical assembly 100 is adequately lubricated and cooled, resulting in no damage.
- FIGURES 6A and 6B illustrate conditions in which the pumping system 400 has FAILED and the drain valve 500 is OK.
- the mechanical assembly 100 and lubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because the lubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of the lubricating media 120 collects proximate to the bottom 310 of housing 305 of collection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricating media 120. In this OFF state, the lubricating media 120 accumulates to a static level 380 within the collection area 300.
- the static level 380 may be higher than the lowest portions of a mechanical assembly 100 disposed within the lubrication system 200, resulting in said lower portions possibly being submerged in the OFF state. Yet, because the mechanical assembly 100 is OFF, its moving parts are not generating frictional heat, nor are they operating whilst submerged in high-temperature lubricating media 120.
- the pumping system 400 has FAILED and is unable to pump lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300, thus hot lubricating media 120 accumulates and rises toward the mechanical assembly 100. If the hot lubricating media 120 rises such that portions of the mechanical assembly 100 are submerged, then continued operation of the mechanical assembly 100 could excessively churn and thereby further heat the lubricating media 120, as well as the mechanical assembly 100 components to potentially destructive levels. However, the heat from the lubricating media 120 causes the passive drain valve 500 to actuate, thus preventing the accumulating lubricating media 120 from reaching the mechanical assembly 100.
- a supplemental source of lubrication may be provided to ensure a sufficient supply of lubricating media 120 to avoid damage to the mechanical assembly in the ON state.
- FIGURES 7A and 7B illustrate conditions in which the drain valve 500 has FAILED.
- the drain valve 500 is constructed to fail in the open position.
- the mechanical assembly 100 and lubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because the lubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of the lubricating media 120 collects proximate to the bottom 310 of housing 305 of collection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricating media 120.
- the lubricating media 120 only accumulates to a level coinciding with the location of the failed drain valve 500, as the open valve 500 permits some of the lubricating media 120 to drain outside of the collection area 300.
- the presence of drained lubricating media 120 may provide an indirect visual indicator to an operator, maintainer, or other person that the drain valve 500 has failed and requires replacement prior to turning the lubrication system 200 and mechanical assembly 100 ON.
- visual indication of a low oil level on an oil level-monitoring device may provide notification that the drain valve 500 has failed and requires replacement prior to turning the lubrication system 200 and mechanical assembly 100 ON.
- the pumping system 400 operates to withdraw lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300 through withdrawal location 450 into suction line 425, and then transports the lubricating media 120 through discharge conduit 420 to distribution location 440.
- the lubricating media 120 is thereby distributed via distribution mechanism 460 to a mechanical assembly 100 located within collection area 300.
- the lubricating media 120 then drips down from mechanical assembly 100 and collects proximate to bottom 310 of housing 305.
- the pumping system 400 continuously withdraws a substantial portion of the lubricating media 120 from the bottom 310 of the housing 305 of collection area 300, the lubricating media 120 only rises to a dynamic operating level 370 that is lower than the failed valve 500. Under this combination of conditions, an unsubstantial amount of lubricating media 120 may escape, and the mechanical assembly 100 is adequately lubricated and cooled, resulting in no damage.
- FIGURES 8A and 8B illustrate conditions in which both the pumping system 400 and the drain valve 500 have FAILED.
- the mechanical assembly 100 and lubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because the lubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of the lubricating media 120 collects proximate to the bottom 310 of housing 305 of collection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricating media 120.
- the lubricating media 120 only accumulates to a level coinciding with the location of the failed drain valve 500, as it permits some of the lubricating media 120 to drain outside of the collection area 300.
- the presence of drained lubricating media 120 may provide an indirect visual indicator to an operator, maintainer, or other person that the drain valve 500 has failed and requires replacement prior to turning the lubrication system 200 and mechanical assembly 100 ON.
- FIGURE 8B the mechanical assembly 100 and lubrication system 200 are shown in an ON state.
- the pumping system 400 had FAILED and is unable to pump lubricating media 120 from the collection area 300, thus hot lubricating media 120 accumulates and rises toward the mechanical assembly 100.
- the hot lubricating media 120 is prevented from reaching the mechanical assembly 100 as the failed drain valve 500 permits some of the lubricating media 120 to drain outside of the collection area 300.
- the mechanical assembly 100 will not be submerged in hazardous lubricating media 120.
- a supplemental source of lubrication may be provided to ensure a sufficient supply of lubricating media 120 to avoid damage to the mechanical assembly in the ON state.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Temperature-Responsive Valves (AREA)
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to a lubrication system, and more particularly, to a lubrication system having a passive drain valve for preventing submersion of a mechanical assembly in the event of system failure.
- A lubrication system may be used for lubricating and cooling a mechanical assembly. Some lubrication systems employ a cycle wherein a lubricating media, such as oil, is distributed onto portions of the mechanical assembly that are susceptible to friction. Such lubrication systems may comprise a collection area to contain the lubricating media and a pumping mechanism coupled to the collection area. The lubricating media is stored in the collection area, and the pumping mechanism pumps the lubricating media to be distributed onto portions of the mechanical assembly. If the pumping mechanism fails, hot lubricating media may accumulate in the collection area and possibly submerge mechanical assembly components proximate thereto.
-
EP1983164 discloses a lubrication system, comprising: a collection area for collecting lubricating media ; a pumping system for transporting the lubricating media from a withdrawal location of the collection area to a distribution location of the collection area; wherein the lubricating media collects in the collection area to a static level when the pumping system is off and to a dynamic level, a drain valve located between the static level and the dynamic level, the drain valve operable to open to drain a portion of the lubricating media in response to the lubricating media reaching a predefined threshold temperature and level, wherein the drain valve will fail open in the event of failure; and wherein the drain valve comprises: a piston having a piston shaft, a spring, and a valve plug coupled to the piston shaft, and the spring comprises a thermally-activated material arranged to respond to a temperature rise of the spring by changing volume and altering a spring rate of the spring , wherein the lubricating media acts on the valve plug and overcomes a bias force of the spring, wherein the valve plug and the piston move and unseal the valve seat opening. - According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a lubrication system, as defined in
claim 1. Preferred and/or optional features are set out in the dependent claims. - The drain valve may be located above the normal operating level of the lubricating media. The drain valve may open to drain a portion of the lubricating media in response to the lubricating media reaching a predefined threshold temperature and level.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure also generally provide a lubrication system having a drain valve coupled to a collection area for collecting lubricating media, and the drain valve including a material that changes phase or volume at a predefined threshold temperature. The drain valve may open to drain a portion of the lubricating media from the collection area in response to the material reaching the predefined threshold temperature. The drain valve includes a casing with a valve seat opening and a valve plug. The valve plug may seal with the valve seat opening to close the valve when the temperature of the material is below the predefined threshold temperature, and the valve plug may unseal from the valve seat opening to open the valve when the temperature of the material is at or above the predefined threshold temperature. The drain valve may further include a spring that biases the valve plug to unseal from the valve seat opening to open the valve when the temperature of the material is at or above the predefined threshold temperature. In an embodiment, the spring is formed of the material.
- For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIGURE 1 depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 2 depicts a side cutaway view of a collection area of the lubrication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 3 depicts a side cutaway view of a pumping system coupled to a collection area of a lubrication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 4A depicts a side cutaway view of a representative passive drain valve for use in a lubrication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIGURES 4B and 4C depict side cutaway views of further not claimed passive drain valves, respectively, for use in a lubrication system. -
FIGURE 5A depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the OFF state in which both the pumping system and the drain valve are OK according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 5B depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the ON state in which both the pumping system and the drain valve are OK according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 6A depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the OFF state in which the pumping system has FAILED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 6B depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the ON state in which the pumping system has FAILED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 7A depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the OFF state in which the drain valve has FAILED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 7B depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the ON state in which the drain valve has FAILED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGURE 8A depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the OFF state in which both the pumping system and the drain valve have FAILED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIGURE 8B depicts a side cutaway view of a lubrication system in the ON state in which both the pumping system and the drain valve have FAILED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. - Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a lubrication system for lubricating and cooling a mechanical assembly. As described herein, the lubrication system may comprise one or more passive drain valves for draining a portion of the
lubricating media 120 in the event of pump failure, thereby preventing hazardous immersion of the mechanical assembly. In an embodiment of the lubrication system, one or more passive drain valves may be located above a dynamic operating level, and below a static non-operating level, of thelubricating media 120. In an embodiment, a drain valve will fail open, thereby preventing hazardous immersion of the mechanical assembly in the event of drain valve failure. In another embodiment, a drain valve may comprise thermally activated media operable to open the drain valve, and the drain valve may be constructed to prevent the media from entering the lubrication system upon actuation. -
FIGURES 1-8B illustrate representative configurations oflubrication system 200 and parts thereof. It should be understood that the components oflubrication system 200 and parts thereof shown inFIGURES 1-8B are for illustrative purposes only, and that any other suitable components or subcomponents may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of the components comprisinglubrication system 200 and parts thereof described herein. - A
lubrication system 200 according to the present disclosure may be used in the operation of a variety ofmechanical assemblies 100 including, but not limited to, power generation or transfer devices, such as gearboxes, transmissions, and engines. Friction between moving components in thesemechanical assemblies 100, such as friction created by high-speed spinning gears 110, generates heat that may damage components therein. Some lubrication systems employ a cycle in which alubricating media 120, such as oil, is first distributed onto components susceptible to friction, then gathers in a collection area, where it is then pumped back to a location where it may be redistributed back onto the components. If the pumping mechanism fails, hot lubricatingmedia 120 may accumulate in the collection area and possibly submerge components proximate thereto, causing damage and potential failure of themechanical assembly 100. It is desirable to drain this hot lubricatingmedia 120 from the collection area prior to it reaching a hazardous level. Some lubrication systems employ an electromechanically actuated valve that may drain the hot lubricatingmedia 120 from the collection area in the event of pump failure. In such systems, a sensor may be used to detect pump failure and trigger the valve to open. In operation, electromechanically actuated valves may require time to run a BIT check upon startup and may be susceptible to failure, resulting in frequent maintenance, replacement, and system down-time. Electromechanically actuated valves may also be heavy, resulting in reduced performance if used in vehicle applications such as fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. - The present disclosure is directed to a
lubrication system 200 for lubricating and cooling amechanical assembly 100. Embodiments oflubrication system 200 may provide for passively detecting and abating an accumulation of, and hazardous temperature increase in, lubricatingmedia 120 within thelubrication system 200. Embodiments may also provide for simple, lightweight, low maintenance, and substantially failsafe systems for draininghazardous lubricating media 120 before reaching levels that may damage components of themechanical assembly 100. -
FIGURE 1 depicts arepresentative lubrication system 200 for amechanical assembly 100, thelubrication system 200 comprising acollection area 300, apumping mechanism 400, and one or morepassive drain valves 500, as described in more detail herein. -
FIGURE 2 depicts an isolated side cutaway view of thecollection area 300 oflubrication system 200.Collection area 300 may comprise ahousing 305 having abottom 310, atop 320, andsides 330, andhousing 305 may be any suitable size, shape, material, and construction capable of containing amechanical assembly 100 and collecting anylubricating media 120 distributed to and/or shed therefrom. In an embodiment,collection area 300 comprises ahousing 305 of dimensions sufficient to contain amechanical assembly 100.Collection area 300 may further comprise one ormore inlet ports 340, one ormore outlet ports 350, and one or moredrain valve ports 360.Inlet port 340 may be positioned in any location along the surface ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 from which lubricatingmedia 120 may be sufficiently distributed to amechanical assembly 100 disposed therein. In an embodiment,inlet port 340 is located along thetop 320 ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 such that gravity may assist in distributing anylubricating media 120 entering therefrom to the components of themechanical assembly 100.Outlet port 350 may be positioned in any location along the surface ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 from which lubricatingmedia 120 may be sufficiently withdrawn from thecollection area 300. In an embodiment,outlet port 350 is located along thebottom 310 ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 such that gravity may cause lubricatingmedia 120 to collect proximate tooutlet port 350.Drain valve port 360 may be positioned along aside surface 330 ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300, and located above a predetermineddynamic operating level 370 and below a predeterminedstatic level 380, as described in more detail herein. - Referring now to
FIGURE 3 ,lubrication system 200 may further comprise apumping system 400 coupled tocollection area 300.Pumping system 400 may comprise apumping mechanism 410 coupled to upper andlower conduits suction line 425 and adischarge line 420.Pumping mechanism 410 may comprise any suitable mechanism capable of transportinglubricating media 120 from awithdrawal location 450 throughconduits distribution location 440.Conduits pumping mechanism 410 and withdrawal/distribution locations 450/440, respectively.Pumping system 400 may further comprise one ormore distribution mechanisms 460 coupled to distribution location(s) 440. Adistribution mechanism 460 may comprise any suitable device known in the art that may direct or manipulate the flow of lubricatingmedia 120 passing therethrough, such as a spray nozzle. In an embodiment,pumping mechanism 410 comprises apump 412 mechanically or electrically driven by a gearbox or anelectric motor 414, respectively. Thepump 412 may be fixedly coupled to the proximate ends 421, 426 of theconduits distal end 427 ofconduit 425 fixedly coupled to awithdrawal location 450, and withdistal end 422 ofconduit 420 fixedly coupled to anozzle 460 positioned atdistribution location 440.Withdrawal location 450 anddistribution location 440 may coincide with and couple toinlet port 340 andoutlet port 350 ofcollection area 300, respectively. - Referring now to
FIGURE 4A to 4C ,lubrication system 200 may further comprise one or morepassive drain valves 500, such as valve 520 shown inFIGURE 4A , valve 550 shown inFIGURE 4B , and valve 580 shown inFIGURE 4C , with like reference numerals representing like components. In operation, the one or morepassive drain valves 500 may drain a portion of thelubricating media 120 from thecollection area 300 in the event that thelubricating media 120 raises to a predetermined level and predetermined threshold temperature in thecollection area 300, as may happen in the event ofpump mechanism 410 failure. - Each of passive drain valves 520, 550, and 580 comprises: a two-
chamber casing 510 having anouter chamber 512 withports 516 leading thereto and aninner chamber 514, apiston 530 having apiston shaft 532 and aplunger 534, aspring 540, and avalve plug 590 coupled to thepiston shaft 532. Valve 550 shown inFIGURE 4B further comprises two sections ofmaterial 560 biased against theplunger 534 byBelleville washers 570, and valve 580 shown inFIGURE 4C likewise comprises a section ofmaterial 560 positioned between theplunger 534 and the end ofinner chamber 514. Theinner chamber 514 of each valve 520, 550, 580 provides a physical barrier to prevent theplunger 534, thespring 540, and/or the material 560 from exiting into the outer chamber 520 or escaping outside of thecasing 510. - Referring again to
FIGURE 4A , the passive drain valve 520 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the force ofspring 540 acts against awall 518 separatingchambers casing 510 on one end, and the force ofspring 540 acts against theplunger 534 on the other end, thereby biasing thepiston 530 to the end ofinner chamber 514 and retracting thevalve plug 590 to seal against avalve seat opening 522 in thecasing 510 that leads toouter chamber 512. In an embodiment,spring 540 comprises a material 560 that changes properties with temperature. In an embodiment,spring 540 comprises a bi-metallic material that changes volume with temperature, thereby altering the spring rate ofspring 540. - Valve 520 may be operatively coupled to the
collection area 300 such that, under certain operational conditions, lubricatingmedia 120 from thecollection area 300 may rise to a level where it flows throughports 516 intoouter chamber 512. As the temperature of thelubricating media 120 increases, as may happen in the event of apump mechanism 410 failure, for example, the temperature of the components of valve 520 will also rise, includingspring 540. As the temperature ofspring 540 rises, thematerial 560 comprising the spring will respond by changing volume, thereby altering the spring rate ofspring 540. As the spring rate is altered, the lubricatingfluid 120 acting onvalve plug 590 may overcome the bias force ofspring 540, which in turn may cause thevalve plug 590 andpiston 530 to move in the direction of thearrow 525 shown inFIGURE 4A . When thevalve plug 590 moves in the direction ofarrow 525, it will unseal from thevalve seat opening 522 and allow a portion of thelubricating media 120 inouter chamber 512 to drain out. Thus, in this manner, valve 520 is designed to fail open in the event ofpump mechanism 410 failure. - Referring now to
FIGURE 4B , a passive drain valve 550 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, theBelleville washers 570 exert a force that acts against sections ofmaterial 560 engaging one side ofplunger 534, whereas thespring 540 exerts a force that acts against the opposing side ofplunger 534, thereby biasing thepiston 530 to a position withininner chamber 514 where thevalve plug 590 is retracted to seal against thevalve seat opening 522 in thecasing 510 that leads toouter chamber 512. Thematerial 560 may change properties with temperature. Thematerial 560 may change phase, such as from solid to liquid, at a predetermined threshold temperature. Thematerial 560 may comprise a eutectic material. Thematerial 560 may comprise lead or tin. - Valve 550 may be operatively coupled to the
collection area 300 such that, under certain operational conditions, lubricatingmedia 120 from thecollection area 300 may rise to a level where it flows throughports 516 intoouter chamber 512. As the temperature of thelubricating media 120 increases, as may happen in the event of apump mechanism 410 failure, for example, the temperature of the components of valve 550 will also rise, including sections ofmaterial 560. As the temperature of sections ofmaterial 560 crosses the predetermined threshold temperature, thematerial 560 will respond by changing phase from solid to liquid. As thematerial 560 is transformed into a liquid, theliquid material 560 will flow throughopenings 536 in theplunger 534 and there will be nothing solid for theBelleville washers 570 to act against. As such, the bias force ofspring 540 acting againstplunger 534 may cause thevalve plug 590 andpiston 530 to move in the direction of thearrow 555 shown inFIGURE 4B . When thevalve plug 590 moves in the direction ofarrow 555, it will unseal from thevalve seat opening 522 and allow a portion of thelubricating media 120 inouter chamber 512 to drain out. Thus, in this manner, valve 550 is designed to fail open in the event ofpump mechanism 410 failure. - Referring now to
FIGURE 4C , a passive drain valve 580 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, thespring 540 exerts a force that acts against thewall 518 separating thechambers casing 510 on one end, and thespring 540 exerts a force that acts against theplunger 534 on the other end. The force ofspring 540 biases thepiston 530 to a position withininner chamber 514 where thevalve plug 590 is retracted to seal against thevalve seat opening 522 in thecasing 510 that leads toouter chamber 512, and theplunger 534 engages a section ofmaterial 560 positioned between theplunger 534 and the end ofinner chamber 514. Thematerial 560 may change properties with temperature. Thematerial 560 may change phase, such as from solid to liquid, at a predetermined threshold temperature. Thematerial 560 may comprise a eutectic material. Thematerial 560 may comprise lead or tin. - Valve 580 may be operatively coupled to the
collection area 300 such that, under certain operational conditions, lubricatingmedia 120 from thecollection area 300 may rise to a level where it flows throughports 516 intoouter chamber 512. As the temperature of thelubricating media 120 increases, as may happen in the event of apump mechanism 410 failure, for example, the temperature of the components of valve 550 will also rise, includingsection material 560. As the temperature of section ofmaterial 560 crosses the predetermined threshold temperature, thematerial 560 will respond by changing phase from solid to liquid. As thematerial 560 is transformed into a liquid, theliquid material 560 will flow throughopenings 536 in theplunger 534 and there will be nothing solid for the spring-loadedplunger 534 to act against. As such, the bias force ofspring 540 acting againstplunger 534 may cause thevalve plug 590 andpiston 530 to move in the direction of thearrow 585 shown inFIGURE 4C . When thevalve plug 590 moves in the direction ofarrow 585, it will unseal from thevalve seat opening 522 and allow a portion of thelubricating media 120 inouter chamber 512 to drain out. Thus, in this manner, valve 580 is designed to fail open in the event ofpump mechanism 410 failure. -
FIGURES 5A-8B illustrate representative levels and flows of lubricatingmedia 120 in an embodiment oflubrication system 200 under various conditions. In particular, the figures represent combinations of conditions whereinmechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are in various operational states (ON/OFF), and whereinpump system 400 anddrain valve 500 are in various modes (OK/FAIL). -
FIGURES 5A and 5B illustrate conditions in which both thepumping system 400 and thedrain valve 500 are OK. Referring toFIGURE 5A , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because thelubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of thelubricating media 120 collects proximate to thebottom 310 ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricatingmedia 120. In this OFF state, the lubricatingmedia 120 accumulates to astatic level 380 within thecollection area 300. In an embodiment, thestatic level 380 may be higher than the lowest portions of amechanical assembly 100 disposed within thelubrication system 200, resulting in said lower portions possibly being submerged in the OFF state. Yet, because themechanical assembly 100 is OFF, its moving parts are not generating frictional heat, nor are they operating whilst submerged in high-temperature lubricating media 120. In another embodiment, a separate sump for storing thelubricating media 120 may be coupled between thecollection area 300 and thepumping system 400, such that a portion or substantially all of thelubricating media 120 may be stored in the separate sump when thelubrication system 200 is OFF. In this embodiment, because themechanical assembly 100 is also OFF, its moving parts are not generating frictional heat, nor are they operating without lubrication. - Referring now to
FIGURE 5B , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an ON state. Thepumping system 400 operates to withdrawlubricating media 120 from thecollection area 300 throughwithdrawal location 450 intosuction conduit 425, and then transports thelubricating media 120 throughdischarge conduit 420 todistribution location 440. Thelubricating media 120 is thereby distributed viadistribution mechanism 460 to amechanical assembly 100 located withincollection area 300. Thelubricating media 120 then drips down frommechanical assembly 100 and collects proximate tobottom 310 ofhousing 305. Because thepumping system 400 continuously withdraws a substantial portion of thelubricating media 120 from thebottom 310 of thehousing 305 ofcollection area 300, the lubricatingmedia 120 maintains adynamic operating level 370 that is lower than thestatic operating level 380. Under this combination of conditions, themechanical assembly 100 is adequately lubricated and cooled, resulting in no damage. -
FIGURES 6A and 6B illustrate conditions in which thepumping system 400 has FAILED and thedrain valve 500 is OK. Referring toFIGURE 6A , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because thelubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of thelubricating media 120 collects proximate to thebottom 310 ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricatingmedia 120. In this OFF state, the lubricatingmedia 120 accumulates to astatic level 380 within thecollection area 300. In an embodiment, thestatic level 380 may be higher than the lowest portions of amechanical assembly 100 disposed within thelubrication system 200, resulting in said lower portions possibly being submerged in the OFF state. Yet, because themechanical assembly 100 is OFF, its moving parts are not generating frictional heat, nor are they operating whilst submerged in high-temperature lubricating media 120. - Referring now to
FIGURE 6B , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an ON state. Thepumping system 400 has FAILED and is unable to pumplubricating media 120 from thecollection area 300, thushot lubricating media 120 accumulates and rises toward themechanical assembly 100. If thehot lubricating media 120 rises such that portions of themechanical assembly 100 are submerged, then continued operation of themechanical assembly 100 could excessively churn and thereby further heat thelubricating media 120, as well as themechanical assembly 100 components to potentially destructive levels. However, the heat from thelubricating media 120 causes thepassive drain valve 500 to actuate, thus preventing the accumulatinglubricating media 120 from reaching themechanical assembly 100. Under this combination of conditions, themechanical assembly 100 will not be submerged inhazardous lubricating media 120. In some cases, a supplemental source of lubrication may be provided to ensure a sufficient supply of lubricatingmedia 120 to avoid damage to the mechanical assembly in the ON state. -
FIGURES 7A and 7B illustrate conditions in which thedrain valve 500 has FAILED. In an embodiment, thedrain valve 500 is constructed to fail in the open position. Referring toFIGURE 7A , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because thelubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of thelubricating media 120 collects proximate to thebottom 310 ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricatingmedia 120. Unlike the conditions ofFIGURE 5A andFIGURE 6A , the lubricatingmedia 120 only accumulates to a level coinciding with the location of the faileddrain valve 500, as theopen valve 500 permits some of thelubricating media 120 to drain outside of thecollection area 300. In an embodiment, the presence of drained lubricating media 120 (perhaps pooled on the ground or other surface proximate to or under the lubrication system 200) may provide an indirect visual indicator to an operator, maintainer, or other person that thedrain valve 500 has failed and requires replacement prior to turning thelubrication system 200 andmechanical assembly 100 ON. In an embodiment, visual indication of a low oil level on an oil level-monitoring device may provide notification that thedrain valve 500 has failed and requires replacement prior to turning thelubrication system 200 andmechanical assembly 100 ON. - Referring now to
FIGURE 7B , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an ON state. Thepumping system 400 operates to withdrawlubricating media 120 from thecollection area 300 throughwithdrawal location 450 intosuction line 425, and then transports thelubricating media 120 throughdischarge conduit 420 todistribution location 440. Thelubricating media 120 is thereby distributed viadistribution mechanism 460 to amechanical assembly 100 located withincollection area 300. Thelubricating media 120 then drips down frommechanical assembly 100 and collects proximate tobottom 310 ofhousing 305. Because thepumping system 400 continuously withdraws a substantial portion of thelubricating media 120 from thebottom 310 of thehousing 305 ofcollection area 300, the lubricatingmedia 120 only rises to adynamic operating level 370 that is lower than the failedvalve 500. Under this combination of conditions, an unsubstantial amount of lubricatingmedia 120 may escape, and themechanical assembly 100 is adequately lubricated and cooled, resulting in no damage. -
FIGURES 8A and 8B illustrate conditions in which both thepumping system 400 and thedrain valve 500 have FAILED. Referring toFIGURE 8A , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an OFF state. Because thelubrication system 200 is OFF, a substantial majority of thelubricating media 120 collects proximate to thebottom 310 ofhousing 305 ofcollection area 300 due to gravity, as illustrated by the shaded region representing the lubricatingmedia 120. Unlike the conditions ofFIGURE 5A andFIGURE 6A , the lubricatingmedia 120 only accumulates to a level coinciding with the location of the faileddrain valve 500, as it permits some of thelubricating media 120 to drain outside of thecollection area 300. - In an embodiment, the presence of drained lubricating media 120 (perhaps pooled on the ground or other surface proximate to or under the lubrication system 200) may provide an indirect visual indicator to an operator, maintainer, or other person that the
drain valve 500 has failed and requires replacement prior to turning thelubrication system 200 andmechanical assembly 100 ON. - Referring now to
FIGURE 8B , themechanical assembly 100 andlubrication system 200 are shown in an ON state. Thepumping system 400 had FAILED and is unable to pumplubricating media 120 from thecollection area 300, thushot lubricating media 120 accumulates and rises toward themechanical assembly 100. However, thehot lubricating media 120 is prevented from reaching themechanical assembly 100 as the faileddrain valve 500 permits some of thelubricating media 120 to drain outside of thecollection area 300. Under this combination of conditions, themechanical assembly 100 will not be submerged inhazardous lubricating media 120. In some cases, a supplemental source of lubrication may be provided to ensure a sufficient supply of lubricatingmedia 120 to avoid damage to the mechanical assembly in the ON state.
Claims (10)
- A lubrication system, comprising:a collection area (300) for collecting lubricating media (120);a pumping system (400) for transporting the lubricating media (120) from a withdrawal location (450) of the collection area (300) to a distribution location (440) of the collection area (300);wherein the lubricating media (120) collects in the collection area (300) to a static level (380) when the pumping system (400) is off and to a dynamic level (370) when the pumping system (400) is on;a drain valve (500) located between the static level (380) and the dynamic level (370), the drain valve (500) operable to open to drain a portion of the lubricating media (120) in response to the lubricating media (120) reaching a predefined threshold temperature and level, wherein the drain valve (500) will fail open in the event of failure; and wherein the drain valve comprises:a two-chamber casing (510) having an outer chamber (512) with ports (516) leading thereto and an inner chamber (514),a piston (530) having a piston shaft (532) and a plunger (534), a spring (540), and a valve plug (590) coupled to the piston shaft (532), the spring (540) providing a force against a wall (518) separating the outer chamber (512) and the inner chamber (514) of the casing (510) at one end of the spring, the casing (510) having a valve seat opening (522) in the casing (510) that leads to the outer chamber (512), wherein the force of the spring (540) acts against the plunger (534) at the other end of the spring (540), thereby biasing the piston (530) to an end of the inner chamber (514) and retracting the valve plug (590) to seal against the valve seat opening (522); and the spring (540) comprisesa thermally-activated material arranged to respond to a temperature rise of the spring (540) by changing volume and altering a spring rate of the spring (540),wherein the lubricating media (120) acts on the valve plug (590) and overcomes a bias force of the spring (540),wherein the valve plug (590) and the piston (530) move and unseal the valve seat opening (522), andwherein a portion of the lubricating media (120) provided in the outer chamber (512) drains out of the outer chamber (512).
- The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the drain valve (500) is located above the normal operating level of the lubricating media (120), the drain valve (500) operable to open to drain the portion of the lubricating media (120) in response to the lubricating media (120) reaching a predefined threshold temperature and level.
- The lubrication system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the thermally-activated material is selected from the group consisting of: a eutectic material or a bi-metallic material.
- The lubrication system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lubrication system may retain a significant portion of the lubricating media (120) and remain temporarily operable in the event of valve failure.
- The lubrication system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drain valve (500) is coupled to the collection area (300) for collecting lubricating media.
- The lubrication system according to claim 5, wherein the valve plug (590) seals with the valve seat opening (522) to close the drain valve (500) when the temperature of the material is below the predefined threshold temperature; and
wherein the valve plug (590) unseals from the valve seat opening (522) to open the drain valve (500) when the temperature of the material is at or above the predefined threshold temperature. - The lubrication system according to claim 6, wherein the spring (540) biases the valve plug (590) to unseal from the valve seat opening (522) to open the drain valve (500) when the temperature of the material is at or above the predefined threshold temperature.
- The lubrication system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the spring (540) is formed from the thermally-activated material.
- The lubrication system according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermally-activated material is physically prevented from exiting the valve seat opening (522).
- A power generation or power transfer device having the lubrication system of any of claims 1 to 9.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/794,063 US9206944B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2013-03-11 | Lubrication system with passive drain valve |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2778478A1 EP2778478A1 (en) | 2014-09-17 |
EP2778478B1 true EP2778478B1 (en) | 2019-01-09 |
Family
ID=50179519
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14157077.0A Active EP2778478B1 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2014-02-27 | Lubrication system with passive drain valve |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9206944B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2778478B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9816601B2 (en) * | 2013-03-11 | 2017-11-14 | Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. | Lubrication system with passive valve |
DE102015221044A1 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2017-05-04 | Carl Zeiss Microscopy Gmbh | Sample limiting element, microscopy method and microscope |
EP3530988A1 (en) * | 2018-02-21 | 2019-08-28 | Flender GmbH | Oil distributor and storage device and gearbox with same |
CN109973621B (en) * | 2019-04-02 | 2021-09-21 | 重庆市綦江区祥虎齿轮有限公司 | Double-coupling clutch gear box |
DE102020213955A1 (en) * | 2020-11-06 | 2022-05-12 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Oil supply system for an automatic transmission |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2546273C2 (en) * | 1975-10-16 | 1984-11-22 | Audi Nsu Auto Union Ag, 7107 Neckarsulm | Device for regulating piston oil cooling for a piston internal combustion engine |
US5217085A (en) * | 1992-05-04 | 1993-06-08 | Ford Motor Company | Lubrication and cooling system for a powertrain including an electric motor |
US8066100B2 (en) * | 2004-10-05 | 2011-11-29 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Oil pan and lubricating device |
DE102005005154A1 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2006-08-10 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Vehicle, has gear wheels arranged in gear housing and gear oil reservoir sagging in gear housing on oil level, with which gear wheels are not immersed in gear oil during operation of vehicle |
RU2358135C1 (en) * | 2005-03-08 | 2009-06-10 | Тойота Дзидося Кабусики Кайся | Double-chamber oil pan and engine equipped with such pan |
JP4605228B2 (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2011-01-05 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Lubrication device and oil pan |
KR100848069B1 (en) | 2006-10-31 | 2008-07-23 | 현대 파워텍 주식회사 | Device for measuring oil level using check valve |
US20110210179A1 (en) | 2010-03-01 | 2011-09-01 | Edc Automotive, Llc | Internal transmission thermostat |
-
2013
- 2013-03-11 US US13/794,063 patent/US9206944B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-02-27 EP EP14157077.0A patent/EP2778478B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9206944B2 (en) | 2015-12-08 |
US20140251732A1 (en) | 2014-09-11 |
EP2778478A1 (en) | 2014-09-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10655726B2 (en) | Lubrication system with passive valve | |
EP2778478B1 (en) | Lubrication system with passive drain valve | |
EP2491245B1 (en) | A lubrication system for a gear system of a wind turbine providing emergency lubrication | |
EP2297461B1 (en) | A lubrication system for a gear system for a wind turbine | |
RU2670711C1 (en) | Drained fluid evacuation stub for propulsion assembly | |
EP2265824B1 (en) | Underwater delivery unit | |
RU2680476C2 (en) | Gear pump with drive | |
CN101220885B (en) | Valve assembly for transmission fluid level management | |
US9920767B2 (en) | Well pump system | |
US10707723B2 (en) | Vacuum management system | |
CN107420531B (en) | Wind power gear box lubricating system and wind power generation equipment | |
CN102782374A (en) | Arrangement for contactlessly sealing off a rotatably mounted shaft from a housing, and gearing | |
EP3647206B1 (en) | Power transmission device for helicopter | |
EP2288794B1 (en) | Passive oil level limiter | |
US20060093250A1 (en) | System for maintaining a vertical motor thrust bearing | |
RU2617608C2 (en) | Device and method for interlocking system | |
CN107110172B (en) | System and method for providing lubricant to a bearing | |
US20150323093A1 (en) | Valve arrangement for venting gas from liquid circulating in a subsea production system | |
KR20220142435A (en) | Lubrication method for hover-capable aircraft and modules of transmission units of said aircraft | |
US3121474A (en) | Zero gravity lubrication system | |
KR20090005890U (en) | Monitor for the State of Grease in Horizontal Double Suction Volute Pump Bearings | |
JP2009203821A (en) | Oil supply system | |
EP1712817A1 (en) | Watertight joint for a gearbox | |
CN104684746A (en) | Methods and devices to prevent fluid migration in a refrigeration system during an off cycle | |
CN202971290U (en) | Emergency oil supply device for high oil groove of centrifugal compressor |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20140227 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F16H 57/04 20100101AFI20180730BHEP Ipc: B64C 27/12 20060101ALI20180730BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20180817 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAJ | Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1 |
|
GRAL | Information related to payment of fee for publishing/printing deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR3 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTC | Intention to grant announced (deleted) | ||
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20181106 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1087706 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602014039419 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20190109 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1087706 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190109 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190509 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190409 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190409 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190509 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190410 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602014039419 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190227 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20190228 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20191010 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190228 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190227 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190228 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190227 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20140227 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190109 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230602 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20240228 Year of fee payment: 11 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240227 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20240222 Year of fee payment: 11 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20240226 Year of fee payment: 11 |